Riders are often told things like look up, shoulders back, sit straight, and heels down when they are learning correct position in the saddle. These things are all important but they fail to address the most critical part of a good position- the seat. Even when the seat is discussed, for many riders it never goes beyond “sit on your seat bones”.
Tom Nagel understands the necessity of a correct seat and the importance of discussing it in depth. The seat is the foundation of a good position in the saddle. Without it, there is no harmony between the horse’s body and the rider’s. Tom takes an in depth look at the rider’s anatomy, focusing on the elusive psoas muscle, located in the inner core. The psoas muscle is one of the primary muscles involved in developing and maintaining a correct position in the saddle, and yet many riders have never even heard of it!
Tom uses his martial arts background to reflect on posture, balance, breathing and body awareness, all things that are essential to improving as a rider. He discusses the how’s and why’s of the psoas muscle’s relation to the rider’s seat. This book contains excellent exercises, that can be done at home, to help the rider become aware of the psoas muscle and learn how to use to to develop a correct seat in the saddle.
This book should be a must read for anyone who rides a horse. As our horse’s caretaker, it is our responsibility to become the best rider that we can so that our horse’s job of carrying us becomes easier. A correctly balanced rider, with an engaged seat, will put much less strain on the horse’s joints, muscles, and back. This will lead to a happier, healthier horse. For this reason, all riders should develop a correct seat. For riders looking to progress in dressage this becomes even more important as the correctly engaged seat is what allows the rider to communicate with subtlety and finesse and create harmony.
I highly recommend that everyone who rides a horse reads this book and learns about the psoas muscle! Purchase your copy by clicking the link below!
Your Thoughts
Do you struggle with your seat? Have you heard of the psoas muscle? What are some of your favorite ways to work on your seat? Have you read Zen and Horseback riding yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Learn More
Interested in learning more about liberty work? We offer lessons and training at Dover Stables in Waterford, WI and travel throughout the Midwest to do clinics in liberty training. Contact us to start your journey towards a better connection with your horse!
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